A man currently serving an eight-year sentence for aggravated robbery, Revoni Yalayala, has declined to undergo a court-ordered DNA test related to a separate murder charge, asserting that the request fell beyond the established timeframe set by the High Court. Yalayala is implicated in the murder of taxi driver Donal Prasad, whose body was discovered in Lautoka after being reported missing on December 3, 2023. The discovery of Prasad’s abandoned taxi in an industrial area has intensified the scrutiny around Yalayala, who represents himself in court.
During a recent session in the High Court in Lautoka, the court was informed about the timeline for the DNA testing, which was mandated by Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza between April 22 and May 6. Despite the collection team from the Crime Scene Investigation Unit arriving at the Naboro Prison Complex to obtain the DNA sample, they were unable to do so due to it being dark and the inmates being confined to their cells at the time.
The team made an additional request for permission to collect a sample after which approval was granted on May 6. However, upon being approached again, Yalayala maintained that it was too late according to the initial order. Justice Hamza reminded him that the results of DNA testing could potentially benefit him. Following that discussion, Yalayala eventually agreed to provide his DNA sample at the Lautoka Police Station.
The legal proceedings are now adjourned until June 24, 2025, indicating ongoing developments in this case.
Similar cases highlight the critical role of DNA testing in criminal investigations. For instance, in another case involving Anare Vuli Cilicewa, the High Court authorized DNA testing to assist in establishing connections to crime scene evidence, demonstrating how forensic science aids in judicial processes. As this case progresses, it reinforces the importance of thorough investigations and could pave the way for clearer outcomes and justice for all parties involved.
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